Jackfruit is a unique tropical fruit that is growing in popularity worldwide. With its sweet flavor and meaty texture, it’s no wonder people are eager to try this exotic fruit. But if you’re not used to buying jackfruit, you may be wondering – does it need to be refrigerated?
Quick Answer
The quick answer is yes, jackfruit should be refrigerated for optimal freshness and to extend its shelf life. Like most fruits, jackfruit is perishable and will eventually spoil if left at room temperature for too long. Refrigeration helps slow down the ripening process and prevents the growth of bacteria that causes the fruit to deteriorate.
Looking at the Properties of Jackfruit
To better understand why refrigeration is recommended for jackfruit, let’s take a closer look at its properties:
High Water Content
Jackfruit has a very high water content, around 70-80% by weight. The high moisture content makes it prone to quick spoilage. Refrigeration helps lower the temperature and reduces moisture loss through evaporation. This in turn slows down the growth of spoilage microorganisms.
Tropical Origin
Jackfruit is native to tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia. Tropical fruits are adapted to warmer climates and do not store well in cold conditions. While chilling injury can occur if jackfruit is stored below 50°F, keeping it refrigerated between 41-50°F can help prolong shelf life without damaging it.
Quick Ripening
Once picked, jackfruit ripens very quickly. Within just 3-8 days, it goes from unripe to overripe at room temperature. Refrigeration can slow down the ripening enzymes and increase shelf life up to 2-3 weeks.
Susceptibility to Microbes
The sugary, high moisture flesh of jackfruit makes it very susceptible to microbial growth. Yeasts, molds and bacteria can thrive in the right conditions. Storage at colder fridge temperatures retards this microbial activity.
How Cold Should Jackfruit Be Stored?
For best quality, jackfruit should be stored:
– Between 41°F – 50°F (5°C – 10°C)
The optimal temperature range for storage is between 41-50°F. At temperatures below 41°F, chilling injury can develop in the form of pitting, faster ripening and off-flavors.
Temperatures above 50°F will allow excess ripening and moisture loss. Aim for the lower end of this range closer to 41°F.
Avoid Freezing
Freezing jackfruit is not recommended. The ice crystals that form during freezing will damage the cell structure, causing the fruit to turn mushy once thawed.
If you need to store jackfruit longer term, canned jackfruit is a good alternative to frozen. The canning process softens the texture but retains the flavors.
How to Refrigerate Jackfruit
Follow these tips for storing jackfruit in the fridge:
– Place unripe jackfruit in a plastic bag or wrap in plastic film to reduce moisture loss. Ripe jackfruit can be kept loose in the fridge.
– Do not wash the fruit until ready to eat, as moisture accelerates spoilage.
– Keep the fruit whole with the rind on. Remove rind and cut only as much as needed per use.
– Keep jackfruit away from foods with strong odors. It can absorb fridge odors.
– Locate jackfruit on a lower shelf to receive cool circulating air.
– Consume within 1-2 weeks for best quality and freshness. Discard if any mold develops.
Signs of Spoilage
Look for these signs that indicate your jackfruit has spoiled and should be discarded:
– Mold growth – whitish fuzzy mold or black spots.
– Soft, mushy flesh.
– Brown or black liquid oozing from fruit.
– Strong fermented odor.
– Shriveled, dried out appearance.
As long as it was stored properly in the fridge, jackfruit can usually last up to 2 weeks. But once cut open, it should be consumed within a few days. Discard any half used fruit once signs of spoilage appear.
Ripening an Unripe Jackfruit
You may come across unripe, raw jackfruit. Here are some tips for ripenging it to edible stage:
– Leave at room temperature until the rind starts to give slightly. This takes around 3-8 days.
– Placing it in a paper bag or wrapping in newspaper will accelerate ripening.
– Once the rind yields to gentle pressure, its ready to be refrigerated.
– An unripe jackfruit will generally not ripen further in the fridge.
– Avoid force ripening with ethylene gas, it can cause off-flavors.
Storing Ripe Jackfruit in the Fridge
Ripe jackfruit has a sweet, tropical aroma and gives slightly when pressed. Follow these guidelines for ripe jackfruit:
– Cut away any rotten portions and remove the seeds.
– Cut into pieces or slices and place loosely in an airtight container.
– Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
– If not using immediately, wrap pieces tightly in plastic film.
– Guard against exposure to air which oxidizes and browns the flesh.
– Once opened, use within 3-4 days for best flavor.
Freezing Jackfruit
While freezing whole jackfruit is not recommended, it is possible to safely freeze prepared jackfruit. Follow these steps:
– Cut peeled fruit into pieces and remove seeds.
– Blanch pieces for 4-5 minutes in boiling water or steam.
– Drain, cool and pat dry. This inactivates enzymes and prevents oxidation.
– Pack into freezer bags or airtight containers, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace.
– Seal tightly, label and freeze for up to 10-12 months.
– Thawovernight in the fridge before using in recipes.
Canning Jackfruit
Canning is better suited for jackfruit than freezing. Follow an approved recipe and instructions to safely can jackfruit at home.
Key tips:
– Use ripe, undamaged jackfruit. Sort out any bad spots.
– Work in small batches. A large pot for sterilizing is handy.
– Cut fruit into wedges and remove seeds and core.
– Pack fruit into jars leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace. Add syrup or water.
– Process jars in a water bath canner for the appropriate time based on your altitude.
– After canning, check seals are intact on cooled jars. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening.
Drying Jackfruit
Dried jackfruit slices make a tasty snack. Follow these tips for drying jackfruit:
– Choose ripe, unbruised jackfruit. Cut into 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch thick slices.
– Dip in citrus juice, honey or spices to add flavor.
– Arrange slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
– Dehydrate at 130-140°F for 10-18 hours, flipping once, until no moisture remains.
– Check for pliability. Fruit should be leathery, not brittle.
– Store dried jackfruit in an airtight container for up to 1 year.
Storing Jackfruit Products
Besides the whole fruit, jackfruit can be purchased in other product forms:
Canned Jackfruit
– Store unopened cans in a cool, dry spot indefinitely.
– Refrigerate opened canned jackfruit and use within a week.
Dried Jackfruit
– Keep dried jackfruit slices in an airtight container in the pantry up to 1 year.
– For maximum freshness, store in fridge or freezer.
Jackfruit Powder
– Keep powder tightly sealed in pantry or cupboard away from humidity.
– For prolonged shelf life up to 1 year, store in refrigerator or freezer.
Jackfruit Chips
– Unopened bags can be stored in pantry up to several months.
– Once opened, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container in fridge.
– Discard chips if they become soft or soggy.
Signs of Spoilage in Processed Products
Check for these signs of spoilage before consuming processed jackfruit items:
– Mold or dark spots on dried slices.
– Soft texture in dried pieces.
– Unnatural odors, slime, or bulging cans. Discard canned fruit if any spoilage present.
– Moisture, stickiness or caking of powder.
– Rancid smell or taste of oil in chips.
– Insect infestation in any product. Tiny moving spots indicate presence of pests.
Uses for Jackfruit Stored in Fridge
Refrigerating jackfruit helps prolong its shelf life. Here are some great ways to use jackfruit stored in the fridge:
– Cut ripe jackfruit into chunks to eat raw as a sweet snack.
– Mix diced jackfruit into yogurt, oatmeal or smoothies.
– Make chilled jackfruit salsa with mango, onion and citrus.
– Mash cooked jackfruit for vegan pulled pork sandwiches.
– Substitute in any recipe that calls for pulled pork or chicken.
– Bake in pies, add to pancakes, blend into ice cream.
– Bread and fry green unripe jackfruit for a meat substitute.
– Marinate and grill for a satisfying mock steak.
Safely Thawing Frozen Jackfruit
Jackfruit that was frozen properly can be thawed safely:
– For best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
– Alternatively, place sealed bag or container in a bowl of cold water. Change water every 30 mins.
– Can also be thawed in microwave, but monitor and stir to prevent cooking fruit.
– Avoid thawing at room temperature or in hot water bath.
– Use thawed fruit immediately. Do not refreeze.
– Cook frozen fruit directly without thawing if adding to a recipe.
Cooking Jackfruit Safely
Properly cooking jackfruit helps destroy any bacteria present:
– Discard bruised or damaged portions of raw jackfruit before cooking.
– Wash hands, utensils and surfaces after handling uncooked jackfruit.
– Use a food thermometer to ensure cooked fruit reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
– Bring sauces, soups and fillings containing jackfruit to a full boil when cooking.
– Reheat leftovers thoroughly to 165°F.
– Keep hot cooked fruit at or above 140°F. Discard if left at room temp more than 2 hours.
– When in doubt, remember to throw it out! Don’t take chances consuming questionable fruit.
Conclusion
Jackfruit offers a versatile tropical fruit option, but like most fresh produce it has a limited shelf life. For best quality and food safety, it’s recommended to store jackfruit under refrigeration between 41-50°F. Prepared and processed products also need proper storage. Follow these guidelines to extend the shelf life and enjoy jackfruit while reducing food waste and spoilage. With its unique flavor and texture, this “miracle fruit” adds a fun twist to both sweet and savory dishes.
